On my way home Wednesday evening, I was driving @ 60mph when my Blazer shuttered and started missing badly. The major miss is present at idle and all rpm. The engine runs so rough that it shakes the whole truck. I can not afford a diagnostic so I am relying on my old-school mechanic skills but am starting to doubt myself. I have not had to trouble shoot an engine this new for this kind of issue. I need my truck for family and school so any help would be appreciated.

Attempted - Results
1. New plugs -
2. New wires -
3. Dist. cap -
4. Rot. button -
5. Distributor -
6. Crank position sensor -
7. Cat. convertor -

 

Remove the ignition control module from the distributor and take it to any major autoparts place to be tested. Have them test it several times - they tend to fail when hot.

 

It has a brand new ICM that came with the new distributor that was put on just the other night. I thought about that also but figured it should be okay. Could still be worth checking into.


Update: Fuel filter -

 

Whoops - forgot you replaced the distributor...

Next question, has the coil been tested? Did you use dielectric grease at every wire connection (plugs, distributor and coil)?

 

Did not test the coil, did use the grease. Didn't think about that. My mind has been so preoccupied with this being the week before finals at college. My brain hurts.

 

Update: Read code.........P0300.

At least now I know that much.

 

Generic misfire. I'd check the coil. If that tests okay, ignition switches (not the key tumbler) have been known to cause odd electrical issues, including misfires.

 

UPDATE: CritterII is well again. Come to find out, bought a bad distributer cap from the parts store. I ain't mad; it happens. They warrantied it out, put the new one on, and it purrs like a kitten!

 

That sure would do it. It never hurts to check new components when you've been chasing a problem for a while.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Now I'm just pissed that I spent the money for a new distibutor and became more proficiant at installing it correctly than I ever intended on becoming (thanks to one of your previous "how to" articles), when it was probably not the problem to begin with. Oh well, it's in there to stay and I don't plan on going through that again for a long while. Thanks, Swartlkk for the detailed info. You helped save me a bunch of time and money (mechanic) that I simply cannot afford at this time. Now I can stop worrying about my truck and give my college finals the attention that they should be getting!